This paper presents the application of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) to a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC). Model predictive control (MPC) is generally a promising approach for WECs, since system constraints and actuator limits can be taken into account. Moreover, it provides a framework for defining optimal energy capture and it can benefit from predictions. Due to possible nonlinear effects, such as the mooring forces, an NMPC is proposed in this paper, whose performance is compared to that of a linear MPC. Both controllers are supposed to control a nonlinear point absorber model. Computer simulations show that the proposed NMPC is able to optimize the energy capture while satisfying system limits.Index Terms-Nonlinear model predictive control, point absorber, wave energy converter.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.